Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza is the Judge of the 120th Judicial District Court in El Paso, Texas, where she has served since 2007. She is also the President and Chair of the Board of Directors at Texas Latinx Judges, a nonpartisan, nonprofit association that advances current and future Latinx judges. With over 16 years of judicial experience, Judge Salas-Mendoza has served on the Supreme Court Advisory Committee and on the councils for the State Bar of Texas Judicial, Hispanic Issues, and Women and the Law sections.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [2:39] How Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza’s background influenced her judicial career
- [8:25] The importance of Latinx representation in the judicial system
- [11:00] Co-host Jessica Lujan shares her experience being mentored by Judge Salas-Mendoza
- [14:44] Judge Salas-Mendoza’s mentorship and relationship-building philosophy
- [19:41] How Judge Salas-Mendoza will approach her role as a Court of Appeals Justice
- [28:41] Advancing women judges through the National Association of Women Judges
- [38:29] Advice for rising through the ranks of the legal and judicial system
In this episode…
Only 4% of lawyers in Texas are Latinx, a stark disparity considering the state’s large Hispanic population. This underrepresentation in the legal profession underscores systemic barriers and highlights the need for visible role models in positions of authority. How can Latinx judges and lawyers create pathways for equitable representation in the legal field?
As one of the few Latina judges in Texas, Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza exemplifies leadership and resilience. Overcoming humble beginnings and navigating spaces where she was often the only Latina, Judge Salas-Mendoza has become a symbol of hope and fairness in the judiciary system. Her career is marked by a commitment to community service, from leading legal aid initiatives to mentoring young professionals. Judge Salas-Mendoza emphasizes the importance of fostering trust in the justice system by ensuring judges and lawyers reflect the diversity in the communities they serve.
In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez and Jessica Lujan chat with Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza about her efforts to ensure equal representation in the judicial field. Judge Salas-Mendoza shares how her cultural identity shaped her approach to justice, the role of mentorship in her career, and her vision for advancing Latinx representation.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- John Gomez on LinkedIn
- Jessica Lujan on LinkedIn
- Gomez Trial Attorneys: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
- Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza on LinkedIn
- National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ)
Quotable Moments:
- “Being at school was really my safe place, where I felt I knew what was going to happen.”
- “I believe it’s important to bring people along, to encourage them to be lawyers and to stay in the field.”
- “When you stop caring is when you should stop being a judge.”
- “It’s important to be yourself. Do your homework, know your case, and be prepared.”
- “You are enough. You are smart enough. You can do this.”
Action Steps:
- Embrace mentorship and build connections: Actively seek out mentors and build relationships within your field, as these connections can provide guidance, support, and new opportunities. Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza emphasizes the importance of mentorship and connection, highlighting how these relationships can foster personal and professional growth.
- Cultivate empathy and fairness: Strive to understand the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those you interact with, ensuring fair and compassionate treatment. Having compassion and a sense of fairness is crucial, especially in fields like law, where it impacts the perception of justice and the system’s credibility.
- Be prepared and authentic: Always do your homework, be well-prepared, and present yourself authentically in professional settings. This approach builds credibility and fosters trust.
- Support diversity and representation: Advocate for and support diversity and representation within your profession, as this creates a more inclusive and fair environment. Judge Salas-Mendoza speaks about the importance of having leaders and role models in positions of power that reflect the community they serve, which can inspire and instill confidence in others.
- Balance professional and personal priorities: Recognize the importance of maintaining a balance between professional duties and personal life, as this can prevent burnout and promote long-term success.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by Gomez Trial Attorneys, a personal injury law firm based in San Diego.
Award-winning attorney John Gomez developed a nationally recognized legal team that goes above and beyond for injured clients.
With numerous designations, distinctions, and top-notch resources, we have what it takes to fight and win against major corporations.
For a free case evaluation, visit https://www.thegomezfirm.com/contact/.